What makes a gruff vocal melodic punk band stand out? That's the question I'm asking myself as I listen to Errth's debut on repeat. I've been playing this record for probably a month straight and I dig it. It checks the heart-on-sleeve style I enjoy but I'm struggling to figure out why, exactly. I think on this, it's the tones -- both lyrically and mood. It's a mix of reflection, frustration and sometimes hope. It releases anger but doesn't wallow in it.
That's already probably too deep though, considering I haven't talked about the band, formed by members/former members of Aspiga, Public Serpents, Reunions, and Seeing Snakes. There are two primary vocalists on this record, they essentially alternate songs and songwriting styles among the 10 tracks. One singer is harsh and weathered, more in the Chuck Ragan/Hot Water Music school of vocals, while the other is a little more melodic. The former's songs lean a little densier, more a blunt force of emotion, while the latter's lean a little peppier and singalong. Both are introspective, but with a different emotional pull and punch. Then, sometimes, the two harmonize for a whole new effect.
"Absolute Spells" is an uplifting song with powerful harmonies. "Unwanted" is a standout single in the poppier realm, yet with smooth bridges and rising vocals that deliver an emotional punch, "Halloween Eternal" kind of pulls those two styles together into one, utilizing dual vocals for a feeling of empowerment. These three songs are back-to-back-to-back in the middle of the record, but the same moods are spread across the whole thing. "Choose North" and "Last Time You Saw Me" are a couple more standouts.
I've already namedropped several artists, but after listening to Errth's debut a lot, I'll say it falls somewhere in the realm of Dan Padilla with a subtle dose of The Lawrence Arms. It's gruff, smart punk with a sociopolitical element that's equally personal: heart on sleeve and in the moment. I pick up influence from early '90s Dischord, some poppier skatepunk elements, and a lot of so-called orgcore. Throw all that in a blender and you get something that's familiar but still distinct and perfectly balanced. You get the gut punches, the personal laments and the anthems and it never feels stale.
